How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever stepped into a shower only to realize that the water doesn’t drain and you’re frustrated, you’ll know how it is. Not only does it slow the morning routine, it also makes it more difficult to clean up when you’re done. Although chemical drain cleaners are sometimes effective, they can also damage your pipes and cause harm to the environment. The good news is the fact that you have plenty of natural methods to clear a shower drain, without the need for harmful chemicals.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners may harm pipes and even the environment.
- There are several natural methods to clear a shower drain like baking soda, vinegar and a wire hanger or a dry/wet vacuum.
- For baking soda with vinegar, gather materials, take off drain cover and debris, pour baking soda in, then vinegar. Wait 30 minutes and then flush with boiling water.
- Wire hanger method Straighten the wire hanger leaving one end as it was Make a hook at the end and insert it in the drain to catch hair and other debris out.
- If you want to use the dry/wet vacuum method select the "wet" mode and cover drains overflowing by a cloth or tape, connect the hose to create an airtight seal, then turn off the vacuum after three minutes.
- Prevent future blockages by using hair strainers in your shower, running hot water after each use, and not running grease down your drains.
Method 1: Making a cake with baking Soda and Vinegar
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
To begin you can gather the following items:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Boiling water
- Rubber gloves (optional)
- A cloth or rag
Step 2: Prepare the Drain
Remove the shower drain cover If you can, and then use an e-brush or small toothbrush to get rid of all hair and other particles around the drain’s edges. Make sure to wear rubber gloves when you need to.
Step 3: Add Baking Soda and Vinegar
Place one teaspoon of baking soda into the drainage, followed by one cups of vinegar. It is best to protect with a rag or cloth. Cover the drain immediately with a cloth or rag so that the reaction doesn’t get out of control!
Step 4: Wait
Wait for about 30 minutes while the mixture performs its magic. It should sound like there is a fizz and bubbling. This means it’s working!
Step 5: Flush with Boiling Water
Clean the cover thoroughly and flush it with boiling water. This will help remove any remaining debris and ensure that your water is flowing smoothly again.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you need is a trusted wire hanger
Step 1 1. Straighten It Out
Straighten a wire hanger as much as you can while leaving the other end in its original shape.
Step 2: Make a Hook
Create a small hook at the end of the wire you just straightened.
Step 3: Look for hair and Debris
Put the hook in the drain and fish around looking for hairs and debris. Take out whatever comes up.
Method 3: Dry/Wet Vacuum
If you’re able to access a wet/dry vacuum the following method may be suitable for you:
Step 1. Set the Vacuum
Set the vacuum in "liquids" or "wet" mode.
Second Step: Close Overflow Drain
Overflow drains should be covered with either duct tape or wet cloth to ensure the highest suction power.
Step 3: Connect Hose to Drain
Connect the hose to your drain to create an air-tight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Turn on the vacuum and let it run for about three minutes. This will help clear any blockages in the shower drain.
| Method | Supplies Needed | Steps |
|---|---|---|
| Baking Soda and Vinegar | Baking soda, white vinegar, boiling water, rubber gloves (optional), cloth or rag | 1. Gather supplies\n2. Prepare the drain\n3. Pour in baking soda and vinegar\n4. Wait for 30 minutes\n5. Flush with boiling water |
| Wire Hanger | Wire hanger | 1. Straighten it out\n2. Create a hook\n3. Fish for hair and debris |
| Wet/Dry Vacuum | Wet/dry vacuum, duct tape or wet cloth | 1. Set the vacuum to "liquids" or "wet" mode\n2. Cover overflow drain \n3. Attach hose to drain \n4. Turn on vacuum |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when my shower drain has become clogged?
If your shower takes longer than usual to empty or the water is getting swollen on your feet during your shower, it’s an indication that your drain may be either completely or partially clogged. Also, a smell of rottenness coming from the shower area could be an indication of a blocked drain.
What are some natural ways to free a shower drain?
Try pouring boiling water down the drain, followed by vinegar, baking soda, and. It is also possible to use a mixture of salt and baking soda, followed by boiling water. The drain can be drained by a plunger might also help.
Can I make use of chemical drain cleaners to clear my shower?
It is not recommended to use chemical drain cleaners as they are laden with harsh chemicals that can damage your pipes over time. Chemicals can also damage the environment and pose health risk to those who use them improperly.
What should I do if I need to call a professional plumber about my shower drain that is blocked?
If the DIY method doesn’t work in clearing your shower drain, then it’s advisable to contact a professional plumber like Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbers in Sydney to get help. Other indications that you require professional help include water leaking out of other drains or toilets, strange gurgling noises from pipes, or foul odors coming from the drains despite cleaning them.
How much will it cost to fix a clogged shower drain fixed by plumbing experts?
The cost to fix blocked shower drains can differ based on the severity of the issue as well as where you live. It is typically between $100 and $300 for a plumber to remove the shower drain. However, more extreme cases that require pipe repair or replacements can cost anywhere from $500 to $1000.
Conclusion
Unblocking a shower drain could be frustrating it is, however, there are many alternatives to try before using harsh chemicals. If you decide to use baking soda and vinegar or a wire hanger or a wet/dry vacuum remember to take steps to keep your drains from becoming blocked by installing a hair strainer inside your shower or shower, and then running hot water following each use, and refraining from using grease down your drains. If these strategies don’t work, it’s an appropriate time to seek professional help. If you’re dealing with stubborn or having trouble with plumbing problems at Sydney , contact Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbers today!
Additional Information
- Drain Maintenance 101: A Decade of Simple Methods to Prevent Clogs in Your Home
- Say Goodbye to Frequent Clogging: Reasons to Invest in Pipe Relining Services
- Begin with Clean Plumbing for a Spotless Home: Top Tips for Maintaining Your Plumbing
- The Most Complete Guide to Getting Rid of Blocked Pipes: Which Plumbers Utilize
- Finding & Identifying a Clogged Drain: Tricks and Techniques
- Clogged Shower Drain? Learn Methods to Fix it with The subsequent Comprehensive Manual
- Why Condo Complexes are Switching to Trenchless Pipe Relining Methods
- Keeping Costly Drain Repairs at Bay with Routine Inspections
- The Science of Unblock: Unveil How Blocked Drain Jetting Works
- The Importance of Regular Pipe Relining for Homeowners
